Group offers free mental health support for Lichfield and Burntwood residents

An organisation is offering Lichfield and Burntwood residents the chance to access a range of free mental health support services.

Facilities such as friendly mutual support groups, social activities and wellness workshops will be available without a GP referral after the Changes group expanded their services to the area.

The organisation that was formed by people who have experience of using mental health services, and they will give local people opportunities via their accredited National Open College Network course to be involved in how their service is run. They have recently recruited volunteers from Lichfield and Burntwood to help people to access mainstream services.

A series of social events will support users to practice their social skills, regain confidence, and ease themselves back into their local community.

One person who has begun using the service said: “My Auntie encouraged me to go to Changes. I was not intending to when the other day service shut down. I was very scared as I am a very nervous person and I have only just learnt to talk again at college as I have been mute for many years so meeting new people is very difficult for me as I will not talk to new faces.

“But after only a week I had started to talk to others there as they are very warm and friendly people and as time has gone on I have managed to discuss my past and present problems.

“I have been attending the mutual support groups and have recently managed to speak a few words in front of a group that is a massive achievement for me. I have made friends inside and outside Changes – I have made a social life for myself, and have now enough confidence to go back to college.

“I am so much happier – my whole life has changed.”

A new free wellness course starts on Monday (January 23) at the Pavilion in Beacon Park, and those attending will also have their public transport costs met. The sessions starts at 10.30am and runs until midday.